Towards Mainstreaming Environmental Impact Assessment into Housing Development Projects in Ethiopia: The Case of Koye-Feche Condominium Housing Development Project, Addis Ababa

Abstract

Linking environmental impact assessment (EIA) and infrastructure development projects as a result of rapid urbanization reveals serious environmental problems in cities and towns of developing countries like Ethiopia. Ecological infrastructure is as vital as physical infrastructure for the functioning of the economy – a path that can meet both long-term economic and environmental imperatives. The city government of Addis Ababa has planned to address urban housing challenges strategically with the help of National Integrated Urban Housing Development Plan along with other plans. Koye-Feche Local Development and Neighborhood project is believed to have significant contribution for the realization of the vision of Addis Ababa Housing Agency. This study employed secondary and primary methods of data collection like focus group discussion, key informant interview, and field observations. The collected data were analyzed both qualitatively (narration and descriptions) and quantitatively (application of SPSS, ArcGIS, and ERDAS IMAGINE). The possible negative environmental impacts of the project identified were: land use change, evection of indigenous farmers, soil erosion, cutting of trees, degradation of soil resources,  health risk  to humans and animals, landslide, spread of malaria, fuel gas emission, air pollution, noise pollution, dust pollution, soil and water pollution, risk/injury to workers, soil compaction, disruption of natural water ways, ground and surface water pollution, spilling of grease, residual materials,  soil disturbance, and disturbance of the landscape, water harvesting infrastructure resulting in mosquito breeding and hazardous environment for children, traffic congestion in pick time, Solid waste, liquid waste, Increased urban heat island, and increased number of population. Appropriate mitigation measures are required to reduce the aforementioned possible negative impacts of condominium housing projects in Ethiopia.

Keywords: Development; hazard; Housing; Impact; mitigation; planning; urban